Source · IMB Annual Report
Kirklevington Grange
Year: 2021
Published: 30 May 2022
Type: Prison · Cat D open prison
Recommendations: 5
Key concerns
Positive findings
HMP/YOI Kirklevington Grange is a Category D open prison operating in a year significantly impacted by Covid-19 restrictions. The report highlights the prison's successful management of the pandemic, leading to a safe environment, high ROTL success, and good healthcare provision. Key concerns include reduced operational capacity, delays in new accommodation, issues with property transfers, and difficulties with prisoners obtaining debit cards, alongside an altered perception of the open regime due to restrictions.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 1 | 0 |
| Self-harm incidents | 2 | — |
| ACCT cases opened | 13 | 7 |
| Prisoner assaults | 7 | 3 |
| Assaults on staff | 1 | 0 |
| Use of force | 4 | 3 |
| Drug finds | 47 | — |
Positive findings
The Governor and staff effectively managed Covid-19, resulting in low infection rates, no absconds, and a high ROTL success rate. The prison is well-run, offering a positive experience for most. Healthcare provision is good, often exceeding community standards, with improved waiting times and high vaccination rates. The reducing reoffending team is commended for providing skills and employment opportunities, ensuring prisoners are adequately prepared for release with accommodation. There has been increased investment in infrastructure, improving living conditions. Staff-prisoner relationships are positive, and the chaplaincy team is valued. Educational and vocational efforts continued despite restrictions, with a successful football foundation twinning project and appreciated library services.
Key concerns
Overcrowding
Repeated
The operational capacity was reduced significantly though the closure of three accommodation units. This reduction in category D capacity deprived other prisoners in the estate the opportunities provided at Kirklevington Grange.
Other
When prisoners arrive, it is often the case that not all their property arrives with them, and outstanding property often goes missing in transit, causing issues for the prisoner.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
There are still ongoing issues with obtaining debit/credit cards for prisoners.
Complaints/Property
Prisoners’ perceptions that 'if we complain we will be returned to closed conditions'.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
New admissions feeling Kirklevington Grange does not feel like a category D establishment due to Covid-19 restrictions and the perimeter fence.
Mental Health
Covid-19 restrictions did result in an increased waiting time for group sessions and outside appointments, which in a lockdown situation can lead to increased anxiety and agitation.
Other
Video calls were not particularly successful at Kirklevington and caused some frustrations to prisoners and staff with constant breakdowns and failures of the technology.
Education/Purposeful Activity
Woodwork did not reopen due to ongoing staff resource issues.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Can it be ensured that the programme for the ‘new build’ and the subsequent increase to full capacity is given priority? Repeated | Ministry of Justice | |
| 2 | Are there plans to move to an electronic property management system? This could facilitate transfer between establishments and help reduce the volume of lost property. | HMPPS | |
| 3 | To assist prisoners on release and facing financial issues, is this something that can be resolved [regarding obtaining debit/credit cards]? Repeated | HMPPS | |
| 4 | We would like to see some means of dispelling this culture [prisoners’ perceptions that “if we complain we will be returned to closed conditions”]. | Governor / Director | |
| 5 | We look forward to the change in attitude of prisoners [regarding the feeling that Kirklevington Grange does not feel like a category D establishment]. | Governor / Director |
Applications to the IMB
| Category | Current | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (including transfers) | 3 | 2 |
| Adjudications | 0 | 1 |
| Bullying/victimisation | 0 | 0 |
| Complaints | 0 | 0 |
| Discipline/segregation | 0 | 0 |
| Discrimination | 0 | 0 |
| Drug/alcohol treatment | 0 | 0 |
| Education/work | 0 | 0 |
| Facilities (general) | 0 | 0 |
| Finance | 0 | 0 |
| Food | 0 | 0 |
| Health care | 2 | 0 |
| Legal | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 |
| Property | 1 | 0 |
| Religious/cultural | 0 | 0 |
| Rotl/HDC | 0 | 0 |
| Staff behaviour | 0 | 1 |
| Threats to own safety | 0 | 0 |
| Visits (inc family) | 0 | 0 |
| Welfare | 0 | 0 |
Related inspections & investigations
2 Sep 2024
HMIP · Unannounced
Safety 4
· Respect 4
· Activity 4
· Release 4
Other reports for Kirklevington Grange
Report details
- Establishment
- Kirklevington Grange
- Type
- Prison · Cat D open prison
- Report year
- 2021
- Published
- 30 May 2022
- Responsible body
- HMP Kirklevington Grange
- Recommendations
- 5
- MoJ rating (2024/25)
- 4 — Outstanding
Population
| Operational capacity | 187 |
Service providers
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Clinical DART services
Spectrum
Dentistry
Hardwick Dental Practice
Diabetic eye screening
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Education
Novus
Healthcare
Spectrum
Mental health
Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust
Non-clinical DART services
Humankind
Optician
Henderson Opticians
Pharmacy services
HMP Holme House
Physiotherapy
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Podiatry
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Visitors Centre/Cafeteria/Shop
North East Prison After Care Society (Nepacs)